THE PHILIPPINES recorded its worst finish since joining the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in 1977, crashing to seventh place with a measly 101-medal haul during the biennial meet hosted by Myanmar last Dec. 11 to 22.
But Thomasian athlets provided some consolation, collecting a total of 27 medals. The men’s and women’s taekwondo teams produced four gold, four silver and six bronze medals, while the athletics squad contributed 13 medals (6-4-3). The national team had a total of 29 gold, 24 silver and 38 bronze medals.
Former Lady Jin Jade Zafra clinched the gold in the women’s -57 kilograms division after defeating Worawong Pongpanit of Thailand, 7-1.
Zafra, a veteran of international tournaments since 2008, said she treasured the opportunity representing the country once more.
“It feels good to be chosen [as a national athlete] because it means that you’re trusted to give honor to the country,” she said.
After notching the top spot in the UAAP poomsae event, UST’s Vidal Marvin Gabriel took his talents to the SEAG and grabbed a gold medal and a silver in the team and solo event, respectively.
Former UAAP Athlete of the Year Christian Al Dela Cruz took home a silver medal in the men’s -80 kg division.
“I’m proud to carry the national colors and show the world the strength and excellence of Filipinos,” he said.
Tiger Jin alumni Gershon Bautista and Paul Romero both secured bronze medals in the men’s -68 and -63 kg division, respectively.
“The discipline and spirituality of a Thomasian athlete helped me a lot,” Bautista said.
Lady Jin Jane Narra, who topped the UAAP middle/heavyweight category, also captured bronze in the women’s -57 kg division.
The Philippine team ruled the men’s national basketball tournament.
Kevin Ferrer, the lone Growling Tiger in the squad, said he didn’t have problems getting along with his teammates, even if some of them were his rivals in the UAAP.
“I’ve been teammates with almost all of them like Kiefer [Ravena] and Jericho [Cruz] in previous national teams,” Ferrer said. “We have faith in each other and the only reason we participated [in the SEAG] is for the gold.”
